Over 2,000 landlords at risk of prosecution

Barnet Council has issued a stark warning to the 2,000 landlords without correct licences across the north London borough.

The council says that it is looking to clampdown on buy-to-let landlords failing to obtain a licence or manage their properties correctly, and will take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

More than 2,000 landlords across the borough of Barnet could be at risk of prosecution by Barnet Council for illegally letting out properties, including those who let out HMOs but have so far failed to apply for an additional licence following changes to the law covering certain HMOs in the borough introduced earlier this year.

Leader of Barnet Council, councillor Richard Cornelius, said: “Targeted enforcement action has already begun in relation to certain properties and I urge landlords to submit their application now as a priority.”

A total of eight successful prosecutions have already taken place in the last 18 months together resulting in fines of more than £200,000.

Cornelius added: “It’s our job to protect tenants’ safety and we will take appropriate enforcement action if landlords fail to obtain a licence or manage their properties.” 

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